AusTrak Modular System

Although
not initially called AusTrak, the basis of this Australian modular system
was conceived in the early 1980's by the Sydney 'N' Gauge Model Railway
Club. This was propelled by Australian modellers wanting to construct
something that was along local prototypical lines as an alternative to the
three track design of the American "N-Trak". A more "home
grown" product has been achieved. With the many alternatives
provided, the flexibility of N-Trak can be incorporated into AusTrak.
There is even a conversion module to allow AusTrak and N-Trak to be run
together (the Rear Main becomes N-Trak's third running line). The module
system defined by AusTrak was developed from combining the best ideas from
a wide range of clubs, groups and individuals. The modules are designed to
follow the N-Trak philosophy by allowing a layout to be assembled quickly
and easily, and of such size as to make it possible for each person to be
able to fully complete and thus experience all facets of the hobby from track laying, wiring and
scenery. The use of readily available building materials still allows for
individual preferences and ensures that a person living anywhere in
Australia can build a module based on the standards.

In
early 1993, the New South Wales N Scale Group (NSWNSG) forwarded a copy of
their newly formulated standards to the Victorian N Scale Collective
(VNSC). VNSC members could see the necessity and benefits of standards
that would enable the two groups to get together and run trains at
exhibitions or conventions. In March 1993, at a meeting of the VNSC, all
members present volunteered to research further the positive and negative
aspects of an N Scale modular system. Members also investigated the usage,
cost, availability and suitability of a large number of items, ranging
from track, building materials, wire and scenery items. A wide variety of
sources were accessed for information, such as other clubs, HO and N
Scale, individuals and relevant organisations including N-Trak in
America.

At
the 1993 Brisbane and the 1995 Adelaide N Scale conventions, the ideas,
experiences and preferences were exchanged, modified and compromised to
suit the majority.

The
dimensions and basic standards were expertly hand drawn by Geoff Bell
(West Australia) and compiled into a 13 page standards document. Ern
Ames (South Australia) did the final C.A.D versions which makes it very
easy to visualize the standards. When the Final Draft of
AusTrak Book 1 was completed in early 1997, the finished product was sent
to a number of Model Railway Clubs (not just N Scale Clubs), individuals
and organisations for comment. The standards are not the work or ideas
from any singular entity or person, but rather a blending of a large
amount of ideas and suggestions. After final proof reading, the AusTrak
Book 1 was published by Australian N Scale Newsletter and released at the
1997 Canberra N Scale convention.

To this date there have been approximately 536 AusTrak manuals sold Australia wide, and
over 2800 people have accessed the downloadable version. There are at
least four model railway clubs with AusTrak modules either completed or
under construction, and the interest in AusTrak continues to grow.

The
AusTrak standards have been produced with the help of many people. Thanks
to Dave Crowhurst, Geoff Bell, Brian Dwyer, Dave Bennett, Graham Cocks,
Ern Ames, Gil Oakes, Chris Pearce, Roger Vistarini, AMRA Western Australia
Branch, South Australian N Gauge Society, New South Wales N Scale Group
and the Victorian N Scale Collective. The AusTrak Coordinator is
Dave Crowhurst.

The AusTrak manual contains all the
necessary information to construct a basic AusTrak module and is available FREE via the AusTrak website.